Question

the simple model below is a neutral magnesium (mg) atom with the elements most common mass number. what must happen to an atom of magnesium in to become a magnesium ion mg²⁺? it must lose two neutrons and become a different isotope. it must gain two neutrons and become a different isotope. it must lose two electrons and become an ion. it must gain two electrons and become an ion.

Explanation:

An ion is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons. Magnesium (\(Mg\)) has an atomic number of \(12\), so a neutral \(Mg\) atom has \(12\) protons and \(12\) electrons. The \(Mg^{2 +}\) ion has a charge of \(+ 2\), which means it has \(2\) more protons than electrons. To achieve this, a neutral \(Mg\) atom must lose \(2\) electrons. Losing or gaining neutrons changes the isotope of an element, not its ionic state. Gaining electrons would result in a negatively - charged ion.

Answer:

It must lose two electrons and become an ion.